Nissan’s iconic Z-car is now 40 years old -- but rather than being plump and balding, the coupe is more ripped than ever in 370Z guise -- and the company is celebrating the milestone via a limited-run ‘Black Edition’.
The bad news for us is that the 370Z Black Edition is pitched at the European market, which will receive 370 units in a choice of two metallic shades -- black and quartz. Both paints use Nissan’s pioneering Scratch Shield technology, ‘healing’ the finish in the case of stone-chip damage.
The Black Edition’s mechanical spec is as per the standard 370Z -- 3.7-litre V6; 241kW; 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds (5.6 seconds for the automatic) and 250km/h top whack -- but there are enough add-ons to warrant the 20-odd per cent premium it commands over the base model.
Visual cues that distinguish the Black Edition from lesser Zeds include dark grey 19-inch aluminium forged RAYS wheels, red brake calipers and a 40th Anniversary emblem on the rump.
Meanwhile, the cabin is upgraded via red leather-and-suede upholstery and the seats are embossed with a 40th Anniversary logo. The red theme also extends to the stitching on the steering wheel, centre console and knee pads
The Black Edition comes as standard with Nissan’s next generation combined audio and navigation system, which is claimed to offer improved ease-of-operation and new and updated features.
“The ‘story of Z’ is full of positives, with success not just in the sales charts all over the world but on racetracks and at award ceremonies, too. The 370Z Black Edition is a fitting tribute to a great car,” said Vincent Wijnen, Nissan Europe’s vice-president for marketing.
Europe-based customers can order the 370Z Black Edition from all Nissan High Performance Centres and throughout the dealer network with deliveries starting in April.
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